At Cornerstone University, Dr. da Silva teaches a variety of psychology courses, including General Psychology, Statistics and Research Methods, Health Psychology, Physiological Psychology and Cross-Cultural Psychology.

Dr. da Silva emphasizes the challenges and advantages of cross-cultural teaching. He strives to incorporate service in his students’ learning experience and places an emphasis on involving students in practical research.

Dr. da Silva grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, and served as a pastor-missionary for 22 years with Trans World Radio. During his service in ministry, he produced and announced several radio programs, including the Portuguese version of Chuck Swindoll’s Insight for Living.

Selected Publications and Presentations

• O’Connor, Jr. E. & da Silva, S. P. (2020). When physiotherapy is not enough: A concise questionnaire to predict the need for psychotherapy in the treatment of pain (Chapter 7). In Pain: Perspectives on acute and chronic pain. Book series: Health and human development. A. Tenenbaum, P. Schofield, and J. Merrick, (Eds.). New York: Nova Science.
• Feedback, Hopefulness, and Academic Satisfaction. Poster presented at the Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning, Traverse City, MI, with students Weidner, C. E., Grajewski, G. D. (2026).
• Why Are Your Students So Sleepy? How Can You Help? Poster presented at the Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning, Traverse City, MI, with Conkel, E., Long, J. (2025).
• The effect of exercise on short-term learning. Poster presented at the Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning, Traverse City, MI, with Timmer, S., Hess, J. (2025).
• The Role of Self-Righteousness in Moral Foundations Theory. Poster presented at the Ninety-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL, with Anthony, H., Bae, SeEun (2025).
• Social Media and Morality Effects on Hostility. Poster presented at the Ninety-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL, with Chitwood, E., Williamson, K. (2025).
• Exploring the Relationship Between an Offender’s Behavior and the Victim’s Forgiveness. Poster presented at the Ninety-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL, with Paolone, C. I. (2025).
• The Effect of Social Media Criticism on Loneliness in Young Adults. Poster presented at the Ninety-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL, with Wagner, A., Fekete, K. (2025).